Question

a rancher owns 400 cattle in a feedlot directly above a major groundwater source. to avoid groundwater contamination, what is the rancher’s best course of action? spread animal waste evenly and hope for the best divert the pollution to nearby streams construct an impervious manure - storage facility install a groundwater monitoring well

Explanation:

To avoid groundwater contamination from cattle waste, the best action is to prevent waste from reaching the groundwater. Spreading waste and hoping (first option) is not proactive. Diverting pollution to streams (second) just moves pollution, not preventing it. Installing a monitoring well (fourth) only detects contamination, not prevent it. Constructing an impervious manure - storage facility (third) keeps manure from seeping into the groundwater, as impervious materials don't allow liquid (like manure runoff) to pass through, thus protecting the groundwater source.

Answer:

construct an impervious manure - storage facility